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Woodburn/Dalkeith Community Action Plan 2016-2021
Woodburn/Dalkeith Action Plan 2016-2021
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Our Community’s Vision for Woodburn/Dalkeith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Our Community Now . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Woodburn/Dalkeith Likes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Woodburn/Dalkeith Dislikes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Themes and Priorities for Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
Participatory Budget Awards for Early Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Making it happen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Introduction
Over 200 residents views are represented in this Action Plan from the
75 Household Surveys that were returned.
101 people attended the Community Futures Open Events.
Woodburn/Dalkeith Community Action Plan
The Action Plan summarises community views and information about:
Vision for Woodburn/Dalkeith
Our community now
Priority Themes and Identified Actions
Woodburn/Dalkeith Community Futures Steering Group
The Steering Group brought together representatives from One Dalkeith, Bill Russell Woodburn
Youth Project, Dalkeith and District Community Council, NHS Lothian and Midlothian Council
Communities Team.
2
Woodburn/Dalkeith Action Plan 2016-2021
Our vision for
the future
A safe community with a place
where the community can meet
people of all ages, and particularly
where young people can enjoy
activities that are affordable and
accessible.
An attractive community with
good roads, pavements and
parking, with a regular public
transport service that supports the
needs of all the local housing areas
and a vibrant shopping area that is
attractive and welcoming.
An active community where
people make the most of all the
available green space, and where
residents respect and care for their
gardens and come together to
keep public spaces clean and litter
free.
A community with a strong
community spirit where people
communicate clearly and freely
and where groups and individuals
work together for the benefit of
the whole community.
3
Woodburn/Dalkeith Action Plan 2016-2021 Our Community Now Background This Profile has been produced to give an insight into the Woodburn/Dalkeith area. It is part of a wider Community Futures process being delivered by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust across Scotland’s coalfield communities to assist them reflect on what is good within their community, what could be improved and how. This five year plan builds on existing community engagement. Back in 2010 the Dalkeith Neighbourhood Plan was produced and while not every issue raised has been resolved progress was made. This new five year Community Futures Plan will address many of the issues facing the area in 2016. Population At the time of the 2011 Scotland census the total number of residents in Woodburn/Dalkeith was 8,615. Woodburn’s number of residents was 3,499. Woodburn/Dalkeith is home to 10.4% of Midlothian’s population. If it is assumed that this demographic does not change over the time period then the Woodburn/Dalkeith projected population in 2037 will be 10,306. Housing Most of the housing in Woodburn is social housing maintained by Midlothian Council or Melville Housing. The Council has invested in new build in Woodburn on sites of the former primary school and former community centre. Health The number of people living with a limiting long term illness is slightly higher than in Scotland as a whole, with Woodburn/Dalkeith having 21.5% and Scotland as a whole having 19.6% of people of all ages incapacitated. The nearest hospital is Midlothian Community Hospital. The nearest hospital with an Accident & Emergency department is the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Source: Census 2011 Employment and the Economy More people are economically active (just over 70%) than inactive (just under 30%). Of the economically active just under half are full time at just over 42.1% with 5.4% self employed. This breakdown is broadly speaking similar to Scotland as a whole. Source: Census 2011 Education and Training The % of households where no one aged 16-74 has qualifications or is in full-time education is almost 34% which is significantly higher than Scotland with figures of just under 27%. Source: Census 2011 In 2005 Dalkeith High School, St. David’s Roman Catholic High School and Saltersgate (Special Education) School were co-located on a new site on the edge of town. Dalkeith Campus has generated wide interest and has been commended for its success in bringing together different denominational groups and children with special educational needs The Campus offers shared facilities which include assembly, library, dining, administration, and sports and leisure facilities. Sports and leisure facilities provide a competition sized swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, fitness suites, grass and all-weather pitches, all-weather running track and athletics facilities. 4
Woodburn/Dalkeith Action Plan 2016-2021
Social and Community
Facilities for Older People
The Midlothian Ageing Well project (for those aged 50+) includes various activities to meet
all needs such as walking clubs, line dancing, Tai Chi/Chi Gong classes. New innovations like
Walking Football and New Age Kurling are very popular and there is a singing group which
goes around care homes and sheltered housing entertaining residents.
Dalkeith Welfare Hall runs bingo and whist sessions in a friendly atmosphere. There is Old
Thyme dancing run by volunteers in Dalkeith Miners Club.
Woodburn Day Care Club offers a lunch club along with social interaction to tackle isolation
for the less able; this service is via a referral from various bodies such as Social Work or Red
Cross.
There are IT learning opportunities weekly at Crystal Mount.
Youth Facilities
The Drop In at MARC building for young people runs on Saturdays and provides a suppor-
tive and friendly environment. There are games and computers and other activities. It pro-
vides a focus for youth work in the area and works alongside the police and other agencies.
There is a local thriving football club which gives training and support for budding young
football players. The club also offers snooker and other activities.
A local amateur boxing club provides training and support for young people with a fully
functioning gym. There is also a rugby club that operates a youth section to support and
encourage youngsters interested in the game. Cowden Park has a skate park that is well
used and there are various play parks and green spaces around the area.
Guides and Brownies meet in church halls in Dalkeith and there is also a Brownie group
which meets in MARC.
Environment
There is an extensive path network for walking and cycling as well as a number of parks all
within walking distance including, Cowden Park, Riverside Park, Waterfall Park (includes a
kids playpark), Ironmills Park, and Kings Park which has an impressive War Memorial. It also
has a Green Flag and good sports facilities.
Transport
Dalkeith is well served by buses. It sits on the long-distance Edinburgh – Jedburgh/Kelso
service. There are regular services linking Dalkeith to other towns in Midlothian, and a
Monday to Saturday daytime frequency of 15 buses an hour between Dalkeith and Edinburgh
city centre (8 of the 15 run via Edinburgh Royal Infirmary). The Woodburn local bus 39 links
the estate to Dalkeith Town Centre every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime. The 39
extends to both Eskbank Tesco (the nearest bus stop to Eskbank Station on the new
Borders Railway) and Midlothian Community Hospital (where the 39 bus stop is nearer the
main entrance to the hospital than the car parks). The latest addition to the bus network in
Dalkeith started on 11 April 2016 with the Monday-Friday daytime provision of a new half-
hourly bus service to Dalkeith Heights and Dalkeith Campus.
Community Action Plan: Considerations
Some key considerations include the increase in house building and the likely impact this will
have on local services as population increases. Lack of car parking provision is leading to
inconsiderate parking within the town and in the local area; this needs to be addressed.
Increased use of local public transport should be encouraged. Town centre regeneration
requires further community engagement to consider proposals for increased community
facilities.
5
Woodburn/Dalkeith Action Plan 2016-2021
Woodburn/Dalkeith Likes
From the 200 respondents we can see what local people like most about where they live.
Transport 13%
Community Spirit 29%
Educa on 4%
Environment 7%
Housing 2%
25% Local Services + Facili es 25%
Loca on 20%
‘It still has a community friendly feel to it. There
are still people who look out for their neighbours.’
‘There is still a local Festival event which is well
attended and there is another fun day event
which is becoming popular.’
‘There are people in the community who still give
of their time for the local football clubs.’
‘We now have a choice of shopping with Sainsbury
coming in.’
‘Lots of open space, parks that are well
maintained.’
‘The community feel, the location to town and
country, and there is a real feeling of
improvement.’
‘A lot of green space. Plenty of parks and cycle
tracks.’
‘Easy access to shops.’
‘People you know are friendly’
‘Nice parks’
‘Close to local amenities.’
6
Woodburn/Dalkeith Action Plan 2016-2021
Woodburn/Dalkeith Dislikes
From the 200 respondents we can see what local people dislike most about where they live.
Unemployment 5%
An social behaviour 30%
Environment 19%
Housing 6%
Lack of Community Spirit 5%
Local Services + Facili es 24%
Transport 11%
‘It is difficult to get involved with different
people, and meet people from all parts of the
community.’
‘Lacking facilities’
‘The anti social behaviour and dog fouling’
‘The state of some roads and pavements.’
‘Youth crime’
‘Rent prices’
‘The vandalism and thefts within our estate’
‘Town centre looks drab.’
‘Not a lot for youths between 15 -18 years to do.’
7
Woodburn/Dalkeith Action Plan 2016-2021
The following themes are the main strategies and priorities the community will work towards
achieving in partnership with public agencies and other supporters
THEME 1: Community Facilities and Activities
This theme is an essential aspect of building social capital in a community. It’s the glue that holds
communities together and there are some fundamentals that require to be in place for it to grow and
develop. There is a need to ensure that there is good, clear and effective communication between
people, organisations and service providers to make sure that people are being listened to, that their
needs are being met and that this is done through ongoing engagement with an enthusiasm for
partnership working at all levels.
Priorities Actions required to take priorities forward
More community Dalkeith Miners will resubmit an application to the lottery for a multi-purpose
facilities centre (Woodburn Hub) adjacent to the existing club. The evidence gathered
during the CRT consultation will be used to support their application.
One Dalkeith have set up a Development Trust and have considerable local
support. They are exploring new opportunities for community facilities. There
will be ongoing community engagement to explore ideas and gather further
support.
Support for a town centre based community centre has already been shown;
we want to build on this through ongoing engagement.
Explore the potential of improving availability to existing community premises
eg Dalkeith Arts Centre, Corn Exchange and the new Lifelong Learning and
Employability shop in Woodburn which will provide a range of community
based adult learning opportunities including IT, child development, job club,
employability skills, literacy and numeracy and family learning opportunities
for adults and children to learn together.
Update and make widely available a list of all the available community facilities
within the area.
Create more Raise the profile of the early actions funded through the Participatory Budget.
activities for young Evaluate the early actions funded, build on successes and plan for further
people of all ages improved youth activities in the future.
Encourage Dalkeith Llibrary to continue to support young people’s activities.
Review and improve transport access to activities in adjacent areas.
Pilot a young people’s café.
Explore the potential of using facilities at Croft Street in the evening as an
ICT centre for young people supported by the voluntary sector and LLE
(Lifelong Learning).
Widely promote activities that are currently available.
Identify gaps / needs for involvement of young people through creative
engagement with young people.
Explore and raise the profile of the activities available at the
Dalkeith Country Park.
8
Woodburn/Dalkeith Action Plan 2016-2021
Encourage people Conduct an audit of what is currently taking place and promote participation.
to be more active in
Work with organisations to promote volunteering opportunities.
their community
Encourage participation in Dalkeith and District Community Council.
Identify gaps/needs to enable and encourage people to become more active
in their community, increasing its social capital.
Improve One Dalkeith will organize further community engagement events, one of
communication which will be aimed at bringing together local groups to look at how best to
between local improve communications and work together eg newsletter, facebook page,
groups and promote directory.
what is going on in
Dalkeith and District Community Council will review and improve the
a more co-ordinated
community notice boards.
manner
Make the most of the local community radio, Black Diamond FM.
Approach the churches to find out what they are doing and include this in
wider promotion of community led activity.
Encourage use of Social media as a key element of communication strategy
e.g. electronic notice boards.
Make better use of the Advertiser.
Learn from other local initiatives e.g. Bonnyrigg Residents Forum Facebook.
Potential partners Bill Russell Woodburn Youth Project, Dalkeith Thistle CYP, Boxing and Keep Fit
clubs, Uniformed Youth Organisations, Y2K, MARC, Bike workshop, Midlothian
Council, Police Scotland, NHS, Newbattle Abbey College, Churches, One
Dalkeith, Dalkeith and District Community Council, Lothian Buses.
9
Woodburn/Dalkeith Action Plan 2016-2021
THEME 2: Safer Communities
“Fear of crime” is one of the main drivers for how safe people feel, rather than how much crime
actually takes place. A key ingredient for creating strong, active and thriving communities is
developing a sense of safety. With this in mind, a large percentage of the Participatory Budget
funding has been directed toward supporting this theme. A range of activities that are aimed at
encouraging and nurturing the members of our communities, especially young people, is just the
beginning. From here we will reflect on what works, learn through listening and continue to improve
on our ability to embrace and encourage everyone in our community.
Priorities Actions required to take priorities forward
Increase police Work closer with the local beat officers.
presence so people
Support Link Officers at the schools.
feel safer
Create activities for Work with local organisations to create engagement opportunities.
young people to Build on existing good practice eg late night swimming.
engage them in a
Encourage traditional uniformed organisations eg Brownies.
constructive way
Work more collaboratively to maximize opportunities.
Set up Make information available in relation to setting up new schemes.
neighbourhood
Work with local police service to help with setting up schemes.
watch schemes in
new housing
developments
Use detached youth Work collaboratively with the existing and any future detached youth workers.
workers to engage
young people
Support people in Raise awareness locally of agencies set up to support those who are affected
greatest need by domestic abuse.
Raise awareness of support available to individuals and families eg Midlothian
and East Lothian Drug and Alcohol Partnership MELDAP.
Promote and support peer support groups eg Horizons Café.
Potential partners Police Scotland, Community Safety, Community Justice Team, NHS, MELDAP,
Horizons Café, Midlothian Council, Women’s Aid, Bill Russell Woodburn Youth
Project, One Dalkeith, Dalkeith and District Community Council, local
community groups and residents.
10Woodburn/Dalkeith Action Plan 2016-2021
THEME 3: Town Centre Improvements
Town Centre improvements have been hot topics for consideration and are in the top 3 of the
most popular issues people voted on during the Open Day events. Improving the look of the town
centre, encouraging more shops and improving parking behaviour are all important issues for people.
Something that can be worked on right away is to look at how to make the most of the existing
community facilities, such as the Dalkeith Arts Centre, where more could be done to help it reveal
its full potential as a community space. A partnership approach is essential if we are serious about
making the positive changes needed and having the ability to encourage other businesses into
the area.
Priorities Actions required to take priorities forward
Make the town A feasibility study has been commissioned on the future of Dalkeith Town
centre more Centre. Woodburn/Dalkeith residents should be encouraged to voice their
attractive opinions on the proposals when these are made public.
Encourage a wider One Dalkeith is working locally with High Street businesses to explore
variety of shops opportunities.
Improve parking Support Midlothian Council with their plans to decriminalise parking offences
culture in the town which will result in robust enforcement of parking regulations.
centre Promote and raise awareness of all available parking locally to make sure it is
used effectively.
Brighten up the Community groups could work in partnership with Midlothian Council on this.
area with floral The council has offered help with providing plants etc. but they would be
enhancements looking for local help in maintaining them throughout the growing season.
Potential partners Midlothian Council, community groups and local residents, local businesses and
retailers, One Dalkeith, Dalkeith and District Community Council.
11Woodburn/Dalkeith Action Plan 2016-2021
THEME 4: Health and Wellbeing
Making the most of unused outdoor spaces was one of the top ten most popular issues people
voted on at the open days. This linked with a desire by many for a community garden space
indicates that people are interested in spending time out of doors, whether to grow things, explore
the pathways by walking or cycling or just enjoy keeping fit outdoors. This is a theme that has lots of
potential for development and funding. By working together to identify opportunities through
mapping the local area, a way forward can be found that will support an increase in the health and
wellbeing of local people.
Priorities Actions required to take priorities forward
Affordable fitness Increase awareness of existing opportunities.
classes and health Work with Midlothian Lifelong Learning to see how best to provide services.
opportunities
Make the most of Work with appropriate organisations to carry out a mapping exercise locally
outdoor spaces to identify any unused spaces that exist and explore ideas for their best use
for the benefit of the community.
Set up a community garden.
Create a green gym.
Create attractive outdoor spaces to be enjoyed by all.
Carry out further community engagement in order to find out what people
would like to see happen and gather local support for projects that would be
led and maintained by the community.
People being Promote good communication using well located noticeboards and good use
healthy and happy of social media is important so people know what’s happening, and what they
where they live can get involved in locally.
Encourage people accessing local services and opportunities to improve their
health – eg health checks, welfare rights advice, physical activity groups such
as Ageing Well, stop smoking support, domestic abuse services, boxing club,
Promote cycle The Council is embarking on an Active Travel Strategy this year and it is likely
routes that additional short cycling links will be identified within Woodburn for
consideration.
Relevant community groups to work with Midlothian Council to look at
funding for the creation of new cycle paths.
Work with Midlothian Council to promote local cycle ways.
Accessible and Make links with the Bike workshop in Loanhead.
affordable bikes Maintain and support the Woodburn Youth Bike Workshop.
Potential partners Midlothian Council, NHS Lothian, RUTS, local residents, Dalkeith and District
Community Council, Paths for All, Greenspace Scotland, community
organisations, Midlothian Association of Play (MAP).
12Woodburn/Dalkeith Action Plan 2016-2021
THEME 5: Local Services
We need to work closely with Midlothian Council and other service providers to ensure that the
issues raised by people throughout this process are not forgotten but duly considered, prioritized
and acted upon. Progress may be made more readily where there is an opportunity for the
community and the service providers to take their full share of responsibility for making our
community cleaner and greener, better connected and our young people nurtured and encouraged.
Priorities Actions required to take priorities forward
Public transport Continue to lobby for improved bus services to the outlying areas of Dalkeith
and Woodburn.
Investigate links to the Borders Railway and encourage people to come into
the area.
Encourage people to use public transport to ensure sustainable services can
be provided.
Promote Civic Make the most of floral displays.
Pride! Link with Dalkeith History Society to promote the people of Dalkeith who have
made a mark in society.
Use promotional material to share civic pride stories.
Support and promote local annual events.
Reduce litter and Improve access to litter bins.
dog fouling Local group to join Keep Scotland Beautiful and undertake regular litter picks.
Support ongoing education at primary schools.
Work in partnership with the secondary schools, particularly where kids go out
and purchase foods outside the schools, to campaign for a responsible
attitude to dealing with waste packaging.
Work with Midlothian Council to support the provision of new litter bins.
Work with the Midlothian Council’s Green Dog Walker Scheme to encourage
people to pick up dog fouling.
Ensure that information is available on how to dispose of larger items
responsibly to avoid fly tipping.
Cut back shrubbery Work with Midlothian Council to highlight areas in most need of maintenance
to keep paths clear from Land and Countryside Services.
Improve childcare Welcome the new Family Learning Centre in Woodburn Primary School and
provision encourage people to make the most of this new resource.
Continue to support and encourage the local community run initiatives.
Potential partners Midlothian Council, Sure Start, Midlothian Travel Team, Lothian Buses Ltd, local
groups, local residents, One Dalkeith, Dalkeith and District Community Council.
13Woodburn/Dalkeith Action Plan 2016-2021
Participatory Budget Awards for Early Actions
Coalfields Regeneration Trust as part of the action planning process provided £20,000 as a
Participatory Budget to help local voluntary groups take early action on the themes and priorities
that have been identified by the community. Midlothian Council match funded this budget which
enabled the community to access £40,000. Listed below are all the groups which are now able to
take action based on the 5 year plan.
Applicant Name of Project
Pink Ladies 1st New Equipment
One Dalkeith Get Creative and Community Engagement
Dalkeith Miners CYP New Equipment
5th Dalkeith Brownies Sports, Science and Skills Development
Woodburn Family Fun Day Woodburn Family Fun Day
Horizons Café The Woodburn Recovery Drive
Bill Russell Woodburn Youth Project Local environment improvements
Woodburn Womens Health and Motivation New equipment
3rd Dalkeith Guides Camping Equipment
Midlothian Association of Play Out2Play in Thornybank Sq
Esk Place Tenants Association New Greenhouse
Midlothian Amateur Boxing and Fitness Club New Equipment
Bill Russell Woodburn Youth Project Intergenerational & Youth Projects
14Woodburn/Dalkeith Action Plan 2016-2021
Making it Happen
This Community Action Plan sets out the priorities for the development of Woodburn/Dalkeith
over the next 5 years as identified by the community through an extensive process of
community engagement carried out over a period of 6 months, June to November 2015.
Going Forward
Following the production and launch of the plan in May 2016, the action plan will be
progressed by the following:
1. Presentation to the Community Planning Working Group for approval and to secure a
commitment to the actions
2. Discussions with individual partnership agencies
3. Strengthen the steering group by engaging representatives from the Community Planning
Partnership and from the local community.
The Community Action Plan is not just for the few but for everyone. We hope you will read it,
consider its content and help toward making it work by taking action where you are, in
whatever way you can. If everyone did something positive for their community every day, then
what a difference that would make!
Many thanks go to all those who took their time to share their views, to the volunteers and
participants who made the Open Day a great success and to the local schools that enabled our
young people to have their say. Thanks go to members of the community who contributed the
images in this Action Plan. Special thanks go to Midlothian Council for match funding the
Participatory Budget taking it from £20,000 to £40,000
There are 5 priority themes for action in this Community Action Plan:
1. Community Facilities and Activities
2. Safer Communities
3. Town Centre improvements
4. Health and Wellbeing
5. Local Services
To find out more information about the Action Plan or to volunteer with any projects please
contact WoodburnDalkeithActionPlan@gmail.com
The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is a Charity registered in England and Wales (No. 1074930),
a Charity registered in Scotland (No. SCO39277) and a Company Limited by Guarantee
registered in England and Wales (No.3738566).
The Registered Address is 1 Waterside Park, Valley Way, Wombwell, Barnsley
15Coalfields Community Futures
The Coalfields Community Futures Programme is an approach to local community
planning and sustainable community development that aims to encourage active
citizenship and build local democracy. It enables communities to devise a
community action plan which makes a case for the things that the community
thinks are important and wishes to make happen.
The process builds on existing processes of community action research to identify
local needs and priorities, using residents as co-researchers. We work with local
residents and groups to develop a common sense of purpose and assist them to
produce a deliverable community action plan.
To support the action planning process the community receive a Participatory
Budget which is available to local constituted community or voluntary groups.
This budget enables the community to fund small projects that are identified by
the community through the results of the household surveys and the Open Events.
These projects are aimed at being soon, seen and successful.
This banner was produced as part of an intergenerational project delivered by the Bill Russell Woodburn Youth
Project and members and volunteers of Woodburn Day Care Club working with a local artist.
Design & Print by Armstrong Printing (Alloa) Ltd. Offices 75-77 Alloa Business Centre, Alloa FK10 3SAYou can also read
